austerity

noun

aus·​ter·​i·​ty ȯ-ˈster-ə-tē 

-ˈste-rə-,

 also  -ˈstir-ə-

plural austerities

1

: the quality or state of being austere: such as

a

: a stern and serious quality

the formal austerity of his manner

b

: a plain and simple quality

the austerity of the design

2

: enforced or extreme economy especially on a national scale

lived through years of austerity after the war

fiscal austerity

a series of austerity measures [=measures taken to reduce spending]

3

a

: an austere act, manner, or attitude

monastic self-denial and austerities

b

: an ascetic (see ascetic sense 1) practice

Examples of austerity in a Sentence

the austerity of the design

The austerity of their lifestyle was surprising.

They lived through years of austerity after the war.

the austerities practiced by monks

Recent Examples on the Web

The measures aim to introduce austerity measures, curb excessive spending, and restore confidence in the fiscal economy. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2024

During the Obama administration, in the face of fiscal austerity, the Defense Department abandoned its long-standing policy of being prepared to fight and win two major wars to focus on acquiring the means to fight and win just one. —Thomas G. Mahnken, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2024

In its cold West Marin environs, the syrah grape struggles to ripen, and as such, yields a leathery austerity to this expression. —Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 20 May 2024

The last round of the austerity measures, known as Programs to Eliminate the Gap or PEGs, were rolled out by Adams’ team in November. —Michael Gartland, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see austere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing austerity

• austerity measures

Kids Definition

austerity

noun

aus·​ter·​i·​ty ȯ-ˈster-ət-ē 

plural austerities

1

: the quality or state of being austere

2

: an austere act, manner, or attitude

3

: a way of living with few or no luxuries